Attempted Murder Charges Against Protestor Dropped

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DENVER (CBS4) – CBS4 has learned that a Denver Judge has dismissed attempted murder charges, and most other serious charges, filed against a 20-year-old woman who allegedly threw an explosive device at a Denver police car.

Last month, the Denver District Attorney’s Office charged 20 year old Amelia Nicol with numerous felonies and misdemeanors including attempted murder, use of explosives, possession of explosives, second degree arson, criminal mischief, inciting a riot, third degree assault and resisting arrest.

Prosecutors said she threw an incendiary device at a DPD patrol car May 6 during a protest march south of downtown Denver. Authorities said the device hit a marked police car then blew up and burned.

But at a preliminary hearing Thursday a judge tossed out most of the charges ordering Nicol to stand trial on one felony charge — possession of an explosive device,and misdemeanor counts of third degree assault and resisting arrest. He also ordered her bond reduced from $50,000 to $5,000.

“The judge felt it was way overcharged,” said Harvey Steinberg, Nicol’s lawyer.

“There was no basis or premise for those charges to begin with and the evidence presented in support was laughable. When people in power, especially government officials, ever have their power questioned, they lash out at the citizen with all the power the government has,” said Steinberg.

“The original charges were based on the best information we had at the time,” said Lynn Kimbrough, a spokesperson for the Denver District Attorney.

The court’s decision was based on information heard in testimony today, and we respect that decision,” Kimbrough said.